While the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees were busy playing Game 3 of the World Series, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
The first half featured just two drives that didn’t end with points. To start the game, the Steelers and Giants combined to score on five possessions in a row. While both teams were able to move the ball, however, all five drives ended with field goals. Chris Boswell’s third field goal gave Pittsburgh a 9-6 lead. Following back-to-back punts, Greg Joseph hit his third field goal of the half to even the score for the Giants heading into halftime.
Pittsburgh’s defense took over coming out of the break and flipped the game on its head. After both teams exchanged punts to start the third quarter, the Steelers forced a three-and-out. Calvin Austin III made the game’s first big play on the ensuing punt — returning the ball 73 yards for a touchdown.
The Steelers forced yet another three-and-out on New York’s next drive and Russell Wilson and Co. put together their best drive of the game en route to taking a commanding lead. Wilson led the offense on an 9-play, 80-yard drive and found Austin for a 29-yard touchdown — Austin’s second of the game — to extend the lead to 23-9.
New York responded well by scoring on its next two possessions, bringing the score to 26-18, but Pittsburgh’s defense clamped down to end the game. After a Wilson fumble gave New York the ball in Pittsburgh territory, T.J. Watt strip-sacked Daniel Jones and recovered the ball to maintain the 8-point lead. The Giants got the ball back with 1:53 remaining and reached Pittsburgh’s 35, but Beanie Bishop Jr. sealed the win for the Steelers with an interception on 2nd & 10.
The Steelers (6-2) enter their Bye Week and the Giants (2-6) will host the Washington Commanders — who also happens to be Pittsburgh’s opponent following its Bye.
